For those needing to use lavatory facilities in the downtown area, an improved change is coming.

At Tuesday’s city council meeting, council approved the expenditure of more than $40,000 to improve, remodel and put on a new roof at the Water Street restrooms.

“We have had some discussions as to what to do for Festival Square and the benefit of downtown,” said City Manager Dale Stuart. “We haven’t had many changes since (1960). It will be a nice extension. There will be a lot more there.”

The renovated facility will include the addition of four more stalls, three sinks, and the removal of the shower area on the women’s side and on the men’s side, there will be four urinals added and 1 ADA stall. Both sides will be repainted and windows reglazed.

Council approved the bid of $33,992 from Full circle Contracting.

“There could be some additional costs in some areas,” Stuart said. “Any monumental decisions that have to be made will be coming back to you.”

City Clerk-Treasurer Ken Kwiatkowski said he had spoken to David McKinley of Full Circle about some of the questionable items on the bid such was what is not covered in the proposal.

“He told me they can only bid on what they can see,” he said.

Stuart said he still felt comfortable with the firm because the bid was so complete.

Councilman Vaughn Temple asked if there were going to be any installation of security cameras at the site because of vandalism when the structure first opened.

Mayor Richard Sangster said there was discussion at one time, but not specific to this project.

“We have had a pretty fortunate culture change,” the mayor said. “Vandalism has fallen.”

Stuart said he could get bids but it would not be “inexpensive” and it would delay the current project.

“If we are going to do it down the road, maybe we should wire it now,” Temple said. “I know what happened to that place before when it first opened and that is why it has not been open that much.”

Stuart said he understood, but the city does have a 24-hour police force and he would get with the chief to make sure patrols were taking place.

Stuart did say he had concerns with the windows because they are so old and need re-caulked.

“I don’t think they can re-caulk without breaking them,” he said. “They told us they can’t add a price in unless we wanted all new windows.”

Page 2 of 2 - Sangster said he felt comfortable with the bid.

As for the roof, Stuart felt if money was being spent on the insides, the roof should be replaced as well.

“The roof is old. The roof is in need of repair,” the city manager said. “Our feeling was we should look at replacing the roofing as well.”

Only one bid was received for the roofing and it was for $7,312 from Doyle, Inc.